Quick Links

This will prevent uneven penetration later if you accidentally let finish dribble over the edge while working on the top. At the end, come back and even out any runs on the edges. Horizontal su rfaces Do the edges first. horizontal surfaces at the lower end of the accepted temperature range, which will give the finish more time to flow out and will help control lap marks. I prefer brushing vertical surfaces at a warmer temperature, because the initial evaporation of the solvent can help prevent sags. Another essential finishing technique is to work from a smaller container, known as a cutting pot. I transfer some finish to a cutting pot with a turkey baster (buy one dedicated to finishing and keep it out of the kitchen). A cutting pot offers several advantages: You can reseal the can of finish immediately to prevent further evaporation; it prevents dust picked up on the brush from contaminating the finish in the can; and you can add solvent to the finish in the cutting pot without altering the bulk of the finish. Because solvent begins evaporating as soon as you add finish to the cutting pot, try to work quickly. A larger brush lets you cover ground more rapidly. I normally use a 3-in. foam brush unless I'm doing table legs, where I use a 2-in. brush. The leading edge of the brush will pick up dust from the surface. Turning the brush over will allow the dust to flow back out of the brush on the next stroke. To avoid this, I mark one side of the handle and make sure that side is face up at all times. Don't overload the brush One of the biggest errors when using foam brushes is to overload them with finish. Don't plunge the brush into the varnish; instead, dip in the tip about � in. and let it drink in the finish. The amount of finish picked up depends on how long you leave in the tip, so vary it according to the length of brush stroke you will use. If you need to add just a small amount of varnish for a touch-up, dip in only a corner. The finish will quickly wick to the entire edge. If you do load too much finish, never drag the brush over the edge of the cutting pot, as this the surface every 3 in., working backward from near where the continuous stroke will end (above). Draw the brush across the surface at an even speed and pressure. The pre-deposited pools of finish will blend into an even coverage (right). Troubleshooting problem finishes There are two things to watch for: bubbles and visible transition lines. Bubbles on the first and second coats are all but Inevitable; as the finish displaces air In the pores of the wood, the air comes up through the freshly applied varnish. If you see bubbles on subsequent coats (below left), they In· dicate that you're dragging the brush over the edge of the container or going too fast over the surface; check your technique, and ease up a bit. You can eliminate the bubbles by touching them with the corner of your brush. Visible transition lines between strokes (below right) Indicate you don't have enough solvent for the strokes to evenly flow together. Add a bit of solvent to the cutting pot, or Increase your work speed. SE PTEM BER/OCTOBER 2005 117